Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Impeach Clarence Thomas

Can a Justice be impeached? Oh yes. Article III of the Constitution says that federal judges hold their office "during good behavior." ("During" seems an odd word choice in this context, but the meaning is clear.) But will the Obama administration seek to bring charges against Thomas?

I doubt it. Strongly.

Incidentally, the only Supreme Court Justice to be impeached -- so far -- was Samuel Chase, in 1804. He was accused of offering indecent and incendiary words while charging a jury in Baltimore. (In those days, Supreme Court justices did double-duty on lower courts.) Chase was acquitted.